'We failed ... ': Abhishek Sharma explains India's shock defeat to Ireland

NEW DELHI: India opener Abhishek Sharma admitted that his side failed to adjust to the conditions after Ireland stunned the reigning T20 World Cup champions by 34 runs in the first T20I in Belfast on Friday.

Despite smashing a blistering half-century, Abhishek could not prevent India from suffering their first-ever defeat against Ireland in any format. The loss also marked a disappointing start to Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy as Ireland took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

‘We have to adapt really quick’

Abhishek said adapting to the conditions quickly is vital, especially when teams have very little time between matches.

“Its just how quickly we adapt the conditions, that’s really matters as a team, because when you are playing back to back games, as a group you have to step forward and get used to the conditions, whenever you get practice sessions or probably get used to, I feel as a dominating team, you have to adapt really quick and that’s what we were trying today, but unfortunately it didn’t happen,” Sharma told the reporters after the match.

Ireland create history

Ireland posted a challenging 182/9 after captain Lorcan Tucker led the way with a well-made half-century. Gareth Delany added 49, while George Dockrell provided late fireworks to lift the hosts to a strong total.

Harshit Rana was India’s best bowler with figures of 3/24, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each.

— BCCI (@BCCI) 'We failed ... ': Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek shines, India collapse

Chasing 183, India got off to a flying start as Abhishek attacked from the first over. He hammered seven fours and two sixes to race to his fifty in just 19 balls before falling for 50 off only 20 deliveries.

However, wickets kept tumbling around him. Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and captain Shreyas Iyer all failed to make an impact, while Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel were unable to build partnerships.

Shivam Dube briefly revived India’s hopes with a quick 25 off 16 balls, but his dismissal ended any chance of a comeback. India were eventually bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs.

Matthew Hollard and Matthew Humphreys starred with three wickets each for Ireland, while debutant Jai Moondra impressed with figures of 2/25.

Series on the line

The two teams will meet again in the second and final T20I on Sunday, with India needing a victory to avoid a series defeat after Ireland’s historic breakthrough win.